#415 In this episode of the Beginner Photography Podcast, I interview fine art photographer Melanie Osaka. Melanie shares her unique approach to photography, focusing on self-directed work and not being driven by the need for an audience or financial success. She discusses the importance of creativity and trying new things, and offers insights into photography history and her own captivating images.

THE BIG IDEAS

• Personal Projects Fuel Growth: Dedicating time to personal projects deepens your understanding of photography and helps you discover your authentic voice.
• Constraints Spark Creativity: Placing limitations on your process, like giving yourself briefs or deadlines, can actually help your creativity thrive and overcome overwhelm.
• Embrace Uncomfortable Experiments: Leaning into discomfort, self-portraits, or non-traditional methods often leads to your most interesting and authentic images.
• Curiosity Over Perfection: Stay curious about your tools, your process, and the art form’s history—the goal isn’t perfection, but continuous reflection and improvement.

Resources:

• Melanie Issaka’s website
• Follow Melanie on Instagram

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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!